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Dont’a Hightower is reportedly opting out of the 2020 season

Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower will reportedly not play in the 2020 NFL season.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the news on Tuesday morning that Hightower, 30, was opting out.

Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.

Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020

Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing uncertainty over the NFL’s plans for its season, Hightower now appears to be the fourth Patriots player to decide against playing.